Weekly Newsletter – Judge Kavanaugh, James Burke, and More!

ASLdeafined Weekly Newsletter – 8/31/2018

Judge Brett Kavanaugh, via MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

National Association of the Deaf Openly Opposes Trump Pick for U.S. Supreme Court

NAD CEO, Howard Rosenblum, posted a video on the NAD YouTube channel this week stating the NAD’s lack of faith in Judge Brett Kavanaugh as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Rosenblum emphasized that they normally try to stay out of politics when they can (due to their status as a non-profit), but that the recent Trump-pick could very well be a threat to the Deaf community and other individuals with disabilities.

A key thing to remember regarding the rights of disabled Americans is that their rights are often protected, and enforced, by federal rulings. State and national rulings set the laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act) that protect disabled Americans, and are subsequently enforced by the government. Many disabled Americans also require social programs to survive, including disabled veterans. With this in mind, as we learn more about Trump’s latest pick for the U.S. Supreme Court, it is easy to see why so many advocacy groups are becoming vocal.

James Burke, via Wikipedia

Deaf History Spotlight: James Burke!

We have a rather interesting historic “deafie” this week- James Burke was a boxer from England in the 19th century, and was also completely deaf. At a whopping six-foot two-inches tall and two-hundred pounds he trained near the River Thames and was feared by opponents.

And no wonder! In 1833 he spared with Irish boxer Simon Byrne in the English Heavyweight Championships and finally winning after just over three hours. Three days later Byrne died of his injuries and Burke was thought to be at fault. He was ultimately acquitted of the crime, but was not given the championship belt over the ordeal.

After failing to find new competition in England he traveled to the United States, eventually sparring with the new Irish champion Sam O’Rourke in 1937. Bad luck seemed to follow Burke and this match was no different: After his victory over O’Rourke in the third round he was forced to flee on horseback from an angry mob.

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